IMG: Mr. Paul Famba, taking the oath of office on 31st July 2024 at the Supreme Court of Kenya
The Public Service Commission’s (PSC’s) new Secretary/CEO, Mr. Paul Famba has taken the oath of office, following his appointment announced on 5 June 2024, through gazette notice Vol. CXXVI —No. 79.
The swearing-in, administered by the Deputy Chief Registrar of Judiciary, Hon. Paul Ndiemo, and witnessed by the Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome took place at the Supreme Court of Kenya on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
In her address after the administration of the oath, the Chief Justice underscored the critical role the Public Service Commission in… “Infusing the values and principles of the Constitution throughout the public service, ensuring that the public service is efficient and effective, developing human resources in the public service and ensuring that the principles of accountability and integrity are the ethos on which the Kenyan public service is made of.”
She noted that the PSC has a role to safeguard public servants from political patronage and promote meritocracy, as the distinguishing characteristic of the public service.
“This makes PSC a priceless asset in our governance system, driving the desire of Kenyans to have non-partisan, responsive, meritocratic public service,” she said.
She cautioned that the CEO was taking office at a time when Kenyans’ concerns about service delivery in public offices is at an all-time high and under scrutiny.
The Chief Justice urged the PSC to be at the forefront of promoting constitutional adherence, and that the common good should be the central value driving public servants in the performance of their duties.
“I urge you to work towards ensuring that public officers connect with the concerns of the general citizenry and act as stewards of the public resources. Additionally, the Public Service Commission must lead the fight against corruption by invigorating efforts and actions aimed at rooting out corruption,” she stated.
She called on public institutions to ensure that systems and structures are in place that hinder corruption to thrive.
“We must lead the way in changing the narrative of public service in this country and ensure that corruption and all its facets, which include abuse of office and other ills, are shunned and not associated with public offices,” she said.
She challenged the new CEO to always uphold the law and remember his oath of office.
“Mr. Famba, the oath of office you have taken today should always guide you in your day to day work. Should you have any doubt whatsoever, just remember the oath of office that you have taken today and it will guide you on what to do, because according to that oath, you must never depart from the law. The law will be your constant north,” she asserted.
Talking on his behalf and that of the Commission Board and the entire PSC fraternity, the Public Service Commission Chairperson, Amb. Anthony Muchiri congratulated Mr. Famba on his appointment and welcomed him on board.
“As a Board, we expect you to enhance our mutual working relationship with the Secretariat. We also expect you to exert a positive impact at the Commission as we work towards achieving a more citizen-centric public service,” he said.
He assured Mr. Famba of support from the Commission Board and that of the entire PSC community.
Mr. Famba expressed his gratitude to the Chairperson and the Board of the Public Service Commission for their trust and confidence in appointing him as the CEO.
“I, together with the Secretariat, commit to supporting the Board to ensure that it delivers on the aspirations of our people, and that we uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability in our service to the people of Kenya,” he said.
He promised to synergize the Board and Secretariat staff to ensure that the Public Service Commission not only upholds the highest standards of professionalism but also becomes a beacon of efficiency, accountability, and transparency.